World Cup 2026: Impact of thunderstorms on matches

Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca expressed his frustration at the delay caused by extreme weather during their Club World Cup match against Benfica. The game, which took place in Charlotte, North Carolina, was stopped in the 86th minute when lightning was reported, with an almost two-hour wait before it could resume. The incident is part of a larger concern for the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, and which will take place at the peak of thunder season in many host cities. Matches may be interrupted due to lightning storms, which are common in areas such as Atlanta, Dallas, and Miami. FIFA must follow local safety rules, which stipulate that games must be stopped if lightning occurs within eight miles. This article discusses potential delays and the protocols in place to ensure the safety of players and spectators during such events. It also highlights the historical context of weather-related interruptions in soccer in the Americas and its impact on the upcoming World Cup schedule.